Kuwait: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach today met with the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on the first stop of a three-country Gulf visit that will also include Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The two leaders, who were accompanied by the Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussed a range of sporting issues during their meeting at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait City.

The Emir emphasized the power of sport to "educate and bring people together and to build bridges."

President Bach, who was accompanied by IOC Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel and IOC member the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, congratulated the Emir and told him that sport in the country "was in good hands."

Earlier, the President also held a joint news conference with IOC member, Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President and Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah at the OCA headquarters.

President Bach is scheduled to attend an Olympic Solidarity Commission meeting and the 63rd ANOC Executive Council Meeting on Monday.

Later on Monday, President Bach will travel to Doha, Qatar, before moving on to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 1 April.